FAQ: Overdue Books and Fines
What is the fine structure for the Gelman Library System?
[Note: This fine structure is the same for all libraries in the Washington Research Libraries Consortium (WRLC)]. What if I disagree with the libraries records?A fine inquiry may be placed when items you believe you have returned still appear on your patron record. A fine inquiry may be made in person at the Circulation Desk by asking to speak with a supervisor on duty.When is a book overdue?A book is overdue if you do not return or renew it on or before the due date.Is there a grace period?Yes. Undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and all other eligible borrowers receive a 3 day grace period. The library will waive the fine if the book is returned within the grace period. If the item is returned after the grace period, fines will be assessed from the original due date.For example, if your book is due Tuesday, but you return it on or before Friday, the library waives your fine. If, however, you wait to return it on Saturday, you owe $1.00.
[Note: This information is the same for all libraries in the Washington Research Libraries Consortium (WRLC)]. Will the Library remind me that I have overdue books?Please keep in mind that you are solely responsible for keeping track of library due dates. To obtain due date information, access your patron record through myALADIN, refer to the stamp in the back of the book, the due date bookmark, or the self-charge receipt. As a courtesy, the Library will email you a reminder notice 5 to 7 days before the due date and an overdue notice the business day after the due date. Please remember these messages are courtesy reminders. Patrons are responsible for paying library fines whether or not they receive a notice. In order to ensure that you will receive these notices, please maintain your preferred email address in myALADIN.What charges do I incur?You pay twenty-five cents ($.25) for each day the item is overdue, beginning the day after the due date. The Library waives the fine if you return the book within 3 days of its due date. On the 4th day, however, you owe the fine for the full four days. For example, if your book is due on Tuesday, but you return it on or before Friday, the Library waives your fine. If, however, you wait to return it on Saturday, you owe $1.00.What happens if I don't pay my fine right away?If you owe over $25 to Gelman Library and/or a consortium university library, you will be blocked from borrowing or renewing books, obtaining Reserve materials, obtaining journals held behind the Periodicals Desk, charging journals for use in study areas other than on the 3rd floor, or obtaining items held at the Media Resources Desk. Outstanding fines and fees in excess of $50 will block you from registering for classes, receiving your diploma, and/or obtaining university transcripts.What happens if I don't return a book?Forty (40) days after the due date, the book is declared "LOST" and you will be blocked from borrowing or renewing materials at the Circulation, Reserve, Periodicals, and Media Resources Desks. In addition, your account will be assessed standard lost item replacement fees ($57) and lost processing fees ($30) in addition to the $10 maximum overdue charge. To reinstate your privileges, you must bring the "lost" book in person to the Circulation Desk. You will be responsible for the $10 overdue charge when you return the book. If you do not have the book, you will be accountable for the full $97 in lost book charges. See the Lost Book FAQ for further details.Where and how do I pay library fines?Library fines may be paid at Gelman, Eckles, or Virginia Campus libraries at GW or any WRLC consortium school. Fines for overdue or lost items may be paid in person or by mail. Cash and checks are the accepted forms of payment. Please include your social security number on the check and write that the amount is in payment of fines owed. Please note that we cannot accept "lost" book charges for books from other libraries. Payments for lost books from a WRLC library should be arranged with the Circulation Desk of the owning library. You may make fine payments at the following locations:
American University
Catholic University of America
Gallaudet University
George Mason University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Marymount University
University of the District of Columbia* *The University of the District of Columbia will accept checks through the mail only if the total fines owed are $50 or more. Fines of less than $50, should be paid in person with cash.
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